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Criterion
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
A paper-based illustration representing C4 Model with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
C4 Model
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Purposedifferent
When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer.An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale.The C4 Model makes a system legible across several resolution levels, from context down to code. It suits situations where different audiences need to understand the same architecture from different altitudes.An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLowLow
Timedifferent
45–90 min1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung1-4 h15-45 min
Participantsdifferent
3-103-20 Reviewer1-51-3
Formatdifferent
WorkshopAsyncWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areasRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsContext Diagram, Container Diagram, Component DiagramADR File, Decision Log, Rationale
Tagsno overlap
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
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